The journey to Woodstock Colonial Restaurant is an experience in itself. Located in Paradise, a picturesque town just twenty minutes outside of St. John's, the drive offers dazzling panoramas of Conception Bay that beg you to pull over and take it all in. The Woodstock Colonial has long been heralded as one of the premier fine dining experiences in the greater St. John's area. While the establishment itself dates back to 1927, the general area has welcomed hungry travellers since the 1800's!

After breakfast we decided to head north on Highway 352 from Botwood to see if the icebergs that Jim Stuckless from the Dockside Inn had told us about were still there. We had the most luck in Cottrell’s Cove and there were lots around but most were quite far from shore. If only we had brought our sea kayaks we thought. Next time! Our next destination was another area of the Northeast Coast that we had not visited before. We arrived in Brighton (at the end of Highway 380) in time for lunch.

With a forecast of plus 30 C temperatures we decided to head for the icebergs and so after breakfast in Botwood we drove to Point Leamington enroute to Leading Tickles where we had been told there were lots of icebergs. At Point Leamington we hiked to the top of Rowsell’s Hill which gave great views of the surrounding coastline (trailhead is 21 0616328 E 5464328 N). Allow about 45 – 60 minutes to complete the 3 km (return) hike which starts off easy along Mill River and then climbs steeply up lots of stairs in the last 500 meters or so to the lookout on top of Rowsell’s Hill. Be sure to check out the heritage house and tea room, gazebo and nice water fall at the base of the hiking trail.

In our quest to see some new sites in Central Newfoundland we headed to Botwood at the base of the Bay of Exploits. We were planning on heading to Leading Tickles to see icebergs and to try some of the hiking trails in this area. We left Corner Brook about 9:00 am on July 1 and in Grand Falls- Windsor we stopped to visit the Mary March Provincial Museum (www.therooms.ca/mmpm) and the Salmonid Interpretation Centre. We were very impressed with the Museum and it not only provided information about the human and geological history of the area but also had 3 excellent traveling exhibits that will be there until October 5.

On June 24 we decided to head to Gros Morne National Park on a spur of the moment trip to do some of our favourite activities before the summer throngs descend on the Park. We started out with a boat tour of Bonne Bay aboard the Emm Cat. Bontours (http://www.bontours.ca/) runs this popular 2 hour boat tour starting from the wharf in Norris Point. It was a windy afternoon for our 2:00 pm sailing and this prevented the boat from getting out in the open Gulf of St. Lawrence. However, this didn’t really matter since we saw a couple of eagles along the steep sides of Bonne Bay as well as a minke whale feeding near the surface.

A love of the ocean and its natural surroundings led owners (and brothers) Joe and Loyola O'Brien to offer guided tours of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve aboard their refurbished fishing vessel the Rob and Rand. Operating under the name Bird Island Charters in 1985, they were the first boat-touring company to operate out of Bay Bulls, Newfoundland. Their great service, emphasis on safety, and unique brand of entertainment quickly attracted a growing number of visitors. They soon added two 46-foot passenger vessels, the Atlantic Puffin and Atlantic Whaler, to give visitors an even more comfortable tour. This year marks their 30th anniversary and I was thrilled to join in on the celebrations! Atlantic Puffins, Humpback Whales, seabirds, icebergs, sea stacks, caves and a geyser are just some of the sights you can see during one of their daily boat tours - I couldn't wait to get on the water.

It was one of those perfect summer days: the sun was shining, the birds chirping, and there wasn't a breath of wind. "We're going to Ferryland!" I exclaimed - my partner in crime and photographer was happy to oblige. Founded by Lord Baltimore in 1621, Ferryland is not only one of the most historic communities in Newfoundland, but in all of North America. Not a history buff? That's okay, Ferryland boasts some of the best coastal views in all of Newfoundland.

"There are a million reasons to visit St. John’s – we want YOU to help us narrow it down to the TOP 5!"

We asked our locals to be ambassadors to the rest of the world! What are the very best reasons to visit our colourful city? Is it our food? The fresh ocean air? The people? Here within, five notable choices:

In mid June, 2014 we had a chance to play the Humber River Golf Course which is located just outside of Deer Lake next to the airport. They have 9 holes, a driving range, and practice green as well as a club house. The course is located adjacent to the Humber River and you get good views of the river on holes 3 and 4 in particular. The course is relatively flat and short and so is a good course for people who like to walk (the course is 2810 yards for men and 2400 yards for women).

My last two days were busy visiting the Johnson Geo-Centre, the Railway Coastal Museum, The Rooms, meeting with Mark Hiscock from Shanneyganock, twacking, listening to Stan Picket and the Rocket Players, a visit to the Newfoundland and Labrador Craft council...and enjoying my last....iceberg

Nestled in woodland above the village of Open Hall in Eastern Newfoundland, Eagles Cliffe Cottages provide luxury accommodations with a breathtaking view of the islands and waters of Bonavista Bay. Known for their outstanding hospitality and coastal scenery of outport Newfoundland, Eagles Cliffe Cottages is excited to expand it's wheelhouse by offering two new unique experiences.

As I sat in my kayak, gently bobbing in the water, sun warming my face, I almost feel the need to pinch myself – directly in front of me was a massive, sparkling iceberg. “This is amazing!” yells my partner, seated in the back of our tandem boat, and it was. Not many can say they spent their Sunday paddling around two 10,000 year old giants – but Ocean Quest Adventure Resort made it possible.